4.11.15

Romanian PM Resigns Over Fatal Nightclub Fire

Romania's Prime Minister is to stand down after huge protests over a nightclub fire that killed more than 30 people.

"I'm handing in my mandate, I'm resigning, and implicitly my government too," Victor Ponta said in a statement, adding he would stay on until a new coalition had been formed.

"I am obliged to take note of the legitimate grievances which exist in society," he went on. "I hope handing in my and my government's mandate will satisfy the demands of protesters."

Some 20,000 people took to the streets of the capital Bucharest on Tuesday evening calling for Mr Ponta to quit.

They also demanded the resignation of Interior Minister Gabriel Oprea and the mayor of the district where the Colectiv nightclub was located.

Anger has been growing for some time in Romania against the government, which many view as corrupt, and Friday's tragedy has added to the discontent.

President Klaus Iohannis, who has declared three days of national mourning, wrote on his Facebook page on Tuesday: "I understand what is being asked and what is expected, and they are right, someone has to take political responsibility."

He added: "The next step is for politicians, who cannot ignore this sentiment

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